Haute Cuisine: Air Culinaire

Filet mignon is filet mignon, right? Not according to executive chef Salvatore Lano of the Air Culinaire kitchen in South Hackensack, N.J. His Signature Filet is center-cut choice USDA, seasoned and perfectly grilled. But what really sets it apart from ordinary filet mignon is the accompanying mushroom medley, which begins with sautéed, caramelized shallots and pearl onions and a variety of high-density mushrooms. To that Lano adds a red wine to create a rich brown demi-glace and, as a final touch, truffle oil and seasonings. In what the chef describes as a sort of backwards presentation, the mushroom medley serves as a lush bed for the steak, which is finished off with a fresh herb garnish.